Trae Patton/NBCA diverse group of artists led by Usher and Mary J. Blige will headline Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day, a free event that’ll be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. April 18. Oscar-inner Common will be a special guest, and other acts on the bill include No Doubt, pop/rock group Train and rock bands My Morning Jacket and Fall Out Boy. Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am will co-host with Soledad O’Brien.

The event — a expansion of the annual Global Citizen Festival held in New York City’s Central Park — will mark the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, and is designed to educate and inspire people to take immediate action, not only to solve climate change, but to end extreme poverty. Hugh Evans, CEO of the Global Poverty Project, says in a statement, “Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day will see thousands of citizens calling on world leaders continue to recognize that the effects of climate change are felt the hardest by the world’s poor.”

Additional performers and appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.

In a statement, Usher said, “Music has long had the ability to motivate generations and inspire movements. I’m proud to lend my voice to the call to end extreme poverty, solve climate change, and educate our youth on such a historic stage.”

“Our generation has the power to build a better world,” added Mary J. Blige. “On April 18th, we will come together for a day of music, education, and action as we call on world leaders to build a world free from poverty and climate injustice.”